2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was priced at $58,806 with a destination charge. While the interior boasted quality materials, the design felt reminiscent of a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an EV from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from VW's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, differing from the traditional SUV styling. The ID.4 was based on VW's MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it didn't resemble a typical SUV, it offered a minimalist interior design with a tech-focused aesthetic. The ID.4's interior was spacious, though rearward visibility was limited due to thick rear pillars.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system, enhancing its on-road performance. The Pilot offered various driving modes and fuel-saving technologies, achieving an average of 10.9 L/100 km in testing. Its suspension provided a comfortable ride with athletic handling, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base RWD version had a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD version added a second motor for a total of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and balanced handling. It lacked aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience. The ID.4's performance was enjoyable, with instantaneous torque making city driving fun.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults. The Pilot offered extensive storage solutions and a power tailgate, with up to 3,092 litres of cargo space when seats were folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 felt spacious, with more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk," but the cabin felt roomy. The interior featured a unique gear selector and efficient heating solutions, though the driver's seat lacked thigh support.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but had limitations, such as a small screen and basic voice recognition. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch screen) and a 5.3-inch display for the instrument cluster. The haptic touchpads were challenging to use, but the natural-language voice-control system offered an alternative. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch, though it was more of a novelty. The infotainment system was well-designed, with easy-to-navigate menus and smart graphics.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system was functional but not refined. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high scores from IIHS.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS and received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist performed well, providing smooth lane centring and responsive acceleration and deceleration.